With UFC women’s bantamweight champion Ronda Rousey and top featherweight Cris Cyborg both earning dominating wins this past weekend the inevitable talk of a showdown has been in full force.
Rousey defeated No. 1 contender Cat Zingano in just 14 seconds in the main event at UFC 184, while Cyborg took just 46 seconds to dispatch Charmaine Tweet at Invicta FC 11.
Joining our own Ariel Helwani on Monday’s MMA Hour, Rousey’s Jiu Jitsu coach Rener Gracie said he believed Cyborg was being given ‘more credit than she deserves’ in the proposed matchup with Rousey.
Gracie explained that despite her accolades, Cyborg lacked that certain something, of which Ronda has in spades.
“I’ve rolled with very good fighters, all of whom have been compared to ‘Cyborg’ in terms of athleticism and her power, and I think all of that is great,” Gracie said. “But there comes a point where there’s something beyond strength and power and tenacity, right? And that’s the special gift that Ronda has, and has sharpened and honed over the last 15, 20 years.”
Well, Cyborg disagrees. Taking to The Underground Tuesday afternoon, Cyborg let Gracie know exactly how she felt about his comments.
Cool story bro
I am not surprised you say Bad things about me.
Your Athlete used The Same technique to grow her name.
Tôo much credit? Who are you to say This?!
You dont know how hard a fighters life is.
You were born with a life of luxury, you dont know The struggles a brazilian girl has in América.
No promotion, helps me grow, only blood and sweat, chute boxe style.
Nobody made my name But me, i have no grandfather name to live off.
Go promote your online students While i earn my credit Fighting, and
ask The real gracies what respect means.
As Rener might say, ‘Daaaaaang.’
5 MUST-READ STORIES
Fortunes changed for five. Dave Meltzer explains how Ronda Rousey, Holly Holm, Jake Ellenberger, Tony Ferguson and Roan Carneiro move forward from UFC 184.
Signal to noise. Luke Thomas gives you the best and worst of UFC 184.
We’re not rollin. ‘Baby sitter to the stars’ Burt Watson has left his roll with the UFC after 14 years.
TV numbers. UFC 184 prelims pulled the third-biggest ratings of the promotion’s FOX Sports 1 era.
Down under. With Victoria’s cage ban lifted, UFC 193 heads to Melbourne, Australia.
MEDIA STEW
UFC 185: Extended preview.
UFC rankings report.
Warrior Code: Johny Hendricks.
More ESPN coverage on Rousey.
Bruce Buffer sides with Joe Rogan on Ronda vs. men.
Interested?
Long watches.
Chael Sonnen’s ‘You’re Welcome’ – Ep 21 – Rainn Wilson & Luke Thomas
…
Submission Radio 1/3/15 Andrei Arlovski, Rich Franklin + UFC 184, Fedor on PEDs, WMMA
…
TWEETS
More Burt reactions.
.@BurtWatson4real you’re the MAN!!! Not gonna be the same at all without u…enjoy retirement my friend…
— Benson Henderson (@BensonHenderson) March 3, 2015
Was a pleasure to work with Mr. Burt Watson the UFC will never be the same with out him always… https://t.co/OrYoaDmwVu
— nick diaz (@nickdiaz209) March 4, 2015
Going to miss you @BurtWatson4real I hope that all is well with you and wish you the best of luck in your future endeavors!
— Matt Brown (@IamTheImmortal) March 4, 2015
Sad to hear about @burtwatson4real Stepping down. In only 3 fights with the UFC I felt ver… http://t.co/y0DOs4LkXm pic.twitter.com/RpMMtO4mw1
— Alan Jouban (@AlanJouban) March 3, 2015
Burt is the man….!!! Hope all is well Mr Burt!!!!!!!!! http://t.co/BoAelmbrqS
— Brandon Vera (@Verafied) March 3, 2015
Burt Watsson http://t.co/glkOIgyntN
— Makwan Amirkhani (@MakwanAmirkhani) March 3, 2015
Thanks for making my time @ufc a great one @BurtWatson4real all the best in the future #topman pic.twitter.com/zkxYAuIu0i
— Phil Harris ufc (@Philharrismma) March 3, 2015
Hope @BurtWatson4real goes on to do whatever TF he wants! Great guy who was exemplary at his job.
— Marcelino Evil (@KCBanditMMA) March 3, 2015
@BurtWatson4real I’m sad I never had the chance to have you at one of my fights. 🙁
— Carla Esparza (@CarlaEsparza1) March 3, 2015
I hope @BurtWatson4real writes a book about his time in the UFC. I’d read it! You’ll be missed Burt! Won’t be the same without you
— Lauren Murphy (@LaurenMurphyMMA) March 3, 2015
@johnalessio79 I have missed @Burt Watson4real Since I left the UFC baby
— Tim Sylvia (@timsylviamma) March 3, 2015
Say it aint so!!! @BurtWatson4real
— Brandon Thatch (@RUKUSMMA303) March 3, 2015
FREE BURT WATSON
— Derek Brunson (@DerekBrunson) March 4, 2015
“@BurtWatson4real: After 14 AMAZING YEARS I’ve decided to step aside thank U Dana Lorenzo & Donna” you’ll be missed. Thanks for everything
— Sarah Kaufman (@mmasarah) March 3, 2015
Sad day in @ufc today burtwatson4real will be more than missed It was your voice that always… https://t.co/RLGo9maH5I
— FranCisco Rivera (@CiscoRiveraUFC) March 3, 2015
The man I love and respect 100% @BurtWatson4real
— Manny Gamburyan (@MannyGamburyan) March 3, 2015
Say it ain’t so @BurtWatson4real @ufc
— Matt Hobar (@CrowbarHobar) March 3, 2015
“We Roooolllllliiiiiiinnn!!!” Events won’t be the same without @BurtWatson4real. Treated us @UFC nobodies as well as the stars. Thanks Burt!
— Sean O’Connell (@realOCsports) March 3, 2015
Can’t believe burtwatson4real isn’t going to be around anymore. The man is a legend and I’m honoured… https://t.co/l1lVSyjywA
— sam stout (@SammyJstout) March 3, 2015
Ur the man, Burt Watson & It definitely won’t be the same without u!!! #RealTalk #mma #ufc… http://t.co/74YTeO4h8N pic.twitter.com/qGPtNXfySF
— TJ Waldburger (@TJWaldburger) March 3, 2015
The 1st time we met you taught me more in 5 min than most people have in my whole life. Always grateful for that. Thank you @BurtWatson4real
— Andre Fili (@TouchyFili) March 4, 2015
thank you @BurtWatson4real for everything #themanbehindthemachine
— Andy Ogle (@thelittleaxe) March 3, 2015
So sad to hear burtwatson4real is stepping aside. What a genuine and amazing person!!! Burt you will… https://t.co/NkJi6Ajpa4
— heatherjoclark (@heatherjoclark) March 3, 2015
At least I got to here “We rollinnnnn!” one time. Ur a beast @BurtWatson4real. I wish you happiness in whatever you do next
— kajan johnson (@IamRagin) March 4, 2015
@BurtWatson4real for those who don’t know who this man is they will never know what is like to fight in the UFC.. Was a honor working wt u
— jay silva (@jaysilvamma) March 4, 2015
@BurtWatson4real damn dude! Gonna miss you! Don’t think is gonna be the same without you!
— Brad Tavares (@BradTavares) March 3, 2015
Very sadden to hear that Burt Watson has retired unfortunately I was only able to get the full Burt… https://t.co/aSm3ZhpxDF
— Ray Borg (@tazmexufc) March 3, 2015
I vividly remember walking into the octagon in my UFC debut and hearing “WE ROLING!” thanks! @BurtWatson4real #UFC pic.twitter.com/B9JnXMpoSM
— Jason Saggo (@jasonsaggo) March 4, 2015
Uncle Creepy DGAF.
Do I look like I give a fuck? Please tell me how you feel…
— Ian McCall (@Unclecreepymma) March 3, 2015
The white knights are out in full affect today haha very cute
— Ian McCall (@Unclecreepymma) March 4, 2015
Big day.
Picture: @CMPunk‘s First Sparring Session at @Roufusport http://t.co/ER8bFE6B8m via @TCritchfield52 pic.twitter.com/tjHu9OJ3fm
— Sherdog.com (@sherdogdotcom) March 3, 2015
I heard CM Punk had his first live mma sparing. Oh what a big deal. We do that shit everyday.
— Alptekin Ozkilic (@alpozkilicmma) March 3, 2015
Get well soon.
There is a belt out there that belongs to me! This is how I #GetIt @ufc #ufc #TheChosenOne… https://t.co/2mLu4UFQti
— Tyron T-Wood Woodley (@TWooodley) March 3, 2015
Don’t count me out so quick @UFC #ufc ! “To look good in front of Thousand, you have to out work… https://t.co/vXWzKQRVaB
— Tyron T-Wood Woodley (@TWooodley) March 3, 2015
Mom.
Why 135 is a good number http://t.co/A7gB1Zfdg0
— DrAnnMaria (@DrAnnMaria) March 4, 2015
Of course.
Go inside Bigg Rigg Steakhouse- 11 pictures and some info on our new restaurant- http://t.co/Mi6Q0XBgRn via @GuideLive
— Johny Hendricks (@JohnyHendricks) March 3, 2015
Grump.
You guys do know i was asked what I thought about @Anthony_Rumble and Jones skit. I answered. My opinion. No1 wants rumble to win more.
— Daniel Cormier (@dc_mma) March 3, 2015
Get your pancakes yesterday?
IHOP waiter: What would you like to order? Me: pic.twitter.com/N4uwFdeUnz
— Derek Brunson (@DerekBrunson) March 3, 2015
Very cool. (via r/MMA)
FIGHT ANNOUNCEMENTS
Announced yesterday (March 3 2015)
Kyle Noke vs. Andreas Stahl at UFC Fight Night 65: Hunt vs. Miocic
Shawn Jordan vs. Derrick Lewis at UFC Fight Night: Cormier vs. Bader
Brian Ebersole vs. Alan Jouban at UFC Fight Night: Cormier vs. Bader
Brandon Halsey vs. Kendall Grove at Bellator 137
Vinny Magalhaes out, Matt Hamill vs. Thiago Silva at WSOF 19
FANPOST OF THE DAY
Today’s Fanpost of the Day comes via ConfusedSoul.
Proposed New UFC Ranking System
The UFC rankings are a constant debate among fans and journalists. Marion Reneau beat Jessica Andrade and was raked above Andrade before UFC 184 but, after UFC 184 Reneau is now ranked below Andrade. This is just the newest injustice with the current ranking system.
My idea would shift to a point-based system. This type of ranking system is used in other sports. My proposed system would take the journalist out of the rankings. This would cause a drastic shift in the current rankings, fighters currently ranked could fall out of the top 15. Every fighter in a division would have a rank under this system.
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Check out the rest of the post here.
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